What do you mean by 'handle'? The only limiting factor would probably be the O2 generator output. Can't say I've really tested my own Tier 1 subs with that many on board (I play solo with bots) but I often end up with more than 8 as NPCs randomly join my crew during a campaign. You could try my Yellow Submarine, might be a bit cramped and I can't guarantee the O2 supply, you'd just have to try it.

He means submarines with enough space and equipment (like suits). Cramming 9 players (or possibly more) into a single tier 1 sub is possible, but it doesn't mean it won't be overcrowded as hell and if it floods, there will not be enough suits.

You'd have to constantly steal suits from outposts and leave them on the floor.

Originally posted by Chimz:

You'd have to constantly steal suits from outposts and leave them on the floor.

I steal suits routinely from outposts in the early game anyway (doesn't everyone? It's far too easy!) and break them down for easy Titanium / Titanium Alloy. In my current campaign with bots I have more crew than there are suit lockers so I need to have suits on the floor, but that's no bad thing really as they're usually easier to grab than those in lockers, and often in multiplayer games suits get left on the floor by people's feet anyway, especially in subs like the Orca where you could be a long way from a suit locker.

The problem with Tier 1 subs is they're usually limited by size, larger subs will be classed as Tier 2 or 3 unless the designer changes it back to Tier 1 (not sure, but there could be a hard limit) or makes cut-backs in some other way, such as reduced mount points.